The Phrase

Preposition and Verbal Phrases

Diagnostic Preview
A. Identifying and Classifying Prepositional Phrases
Identify the prepositional phrase in each of the following sentences. Then, classify each phrase as an
adjective phrase or an adverb phrase, and write the word that the phrase modifies.

EXAMPLE 1. The chairs in the kitchen need new cushions.

1. in the kitchen – adjective phrase-chairs

1. I wish I were better at tennis.

2. The Rio Grande is the boundary between Texas and Mexico.

3. Those apples come from Washington State.

4. The most popular name for the United States flag is the Stars and Stripes.

5. The pony with a white forelock is Sally’s.

6. Through the window crashed the baseball.

7. Cathy Guisewite is the creator of that comic strip.

8. During the last presidential election, we watched the national news often.

9. Outside the door the hungry cat waited patiently.

B. Identifying and Classifying Verbal Phrases

Identify the verbal phrase in each of the following sentences.

Then, classify each phrase as a particular phrase or an infinitive phrase.

EXAMPLE 1.The snow, falling steadily, formed huge drifts.

1. falling steadily-participial phrase

11. We except to do well on the test.

12. The bus, slowed by heavy traffic, arrived at our stop later that it usually does.

13. Breaking the eggs into the wok, he made egg foo yong.

14. To remain calm is not always easy.

15. She wants to study Japanese in high school.

16. The magazine featuring that article is in the school library.

17. Chilled to the bone, the children finally went inside.

18. Who are the candidates that they plan to support in the election?

19.Bethune-Cookeman College, founded by Mary McLeod Bethune, is in Daytona Beach, Florida.

20. Teresa called to ask about tonight’s homework assignment.